Crisis envelops scandal-hit Italy

He was there with the Gubbio defender Simone Farina, who had been named a FIFA Football for Hope ambassador earlier this year for also informing the authorities of an attempt to fix a game.

“I must have come on the wrong day,” Farina joked.

As for Criscito, he maintains his innocence. Innocent or not, Criscito won’t be in Poland. After talks with the vice-president of the Italian Football Federation Demetrio Albertini and Prandelli, it was decided Criscito would be omitted from the Euro 2012 squad.

“I am not taking Criscito because he would have been under pressure which no human being can bear,” Prandelli said.

“The other reason is that he could have been summoned by a prosecutor at any moment before a match.”